Our gracious host, Rochelle, at Friday Fictioneers
encourages us to be creative by writing a story in
100 words or less using the photo shown below.
Here’s where the photo prompt took me.
Happy 54th Anniversary, Rochelle & Jan!
She saw them this morning…his reading glasses, still on the side table where he’d left them. How many months now? The house knew. Every silent room counted.
Holiday preparations hummed from neighboring kitchens, laughter spilling over. She touched the amber frames, half expecting warmth. His chair sat empty, leather worn smooth where he’d rest his head.
The glasses caught afternoon light, casting small rainbows. She should put them away. Instead, she sat in his chair, held them gently, and let herself remember when holiday noises filled these rooms, when she wasn’t listening to everyone else’s happiness but living her own.
NAR©2025
100 Words
This is “A House Is Not A Home” by Dusty Springfield
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Dear Nancy,
Oh those little reminders. A friend of mine was recently widowed. She told me that it’s all those little things that annoyed you you find yourself missing. Well written and touching piece.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle – My husband’s identical twin brother passed away in April, 2024, and his wife says the same thing. Whenever we are visiting with her, and my husband sits in his brother’s favorite chair, their cat comes running and jumps into his lap, purring so happily. The cat thinks my husband is his brother and it’s a very touching expression of affection to witness. Thanks for adding that little personal touch; those are the comments that mean so much.
Shalom
🕊️
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“Every silent room counted”… great line Nancy
Such a touching piece. I can feel her grief.
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Thanks, Laurie. I appreciate your comments.
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What a beautiful sentiment. So many precious memories wrapped in the haze of nostalgia.
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Thanks very much, Anonymous.
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Beautiful and sad. Hanging onto the tiny bits of essence that linger helps and hurts.
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Thanks for your gracious comment and for letting me know about the commenting problem. I’m glad I could fix it!
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Ahh, such as life as we become old, and only one will be left. Nicely written, Nancy.
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A thought and reality that affects each one of us. Thanks, Chris.
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sad story. hopefully, she’d learn to move on.
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That’s my wish, too. Thank you, plaridel.
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Your piece touched the heart so deeply.
In just 100 words, you captured the weight of memory, absence, and enduring love with remarkable grace.
The rainbows reflected in the glasses felt like a gentle reminder that love never truly fades—it lives on in the moments we hold close.
Your writing beautifully conveys that a house becomes a home not through walls, but through the lives and memories shared within it.
A truly moving and soulful expression!
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Thank you very much for your most gracious comments.
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(∩˃o˂∩)♡ → Shy + affectionate thanks
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Ah!!!
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That says it all, my friend.
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Very poignant.
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Thanks very much, Esther. So glad you liked it.
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This is a lovely, loving flash and Dusty tops it off perfectly!
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Thank you for your very gracious comments, Liz. I feel the same way about Dusty.
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Such a gentle way to deal with this situation… perfect Dusty too 💜
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Thanks very much, Sis. This song has been done by so many wonderful singers, but Dusty is my favorite.
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She is mine too, my eldest sister went to school with her 💜💜
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Such a tender tale, Nancy.
Nice to hear Dusty, I’d forgoten what a beautiful song it is.
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It is such a wonderful piece; Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote some beauties and Dusty sang them so well. Thank you, dear Keith.
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Holidays can bring back all types of memories, sad and happy.
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When we are missing loved ones, it’s inevitable. Thank you, Jim.
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What a beautiful remembrance piece Nancy.
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Thanks very much, Jodi. The holidays can be difficult for many people.
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Oh, I felt this one deeply, my friend. Beautifully written.
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Yes, I’m sure you did, my dear friend. Sending hugs.
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💞
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The first holiday without a loved one is always the hardest.
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Very much so. Thank you, Sweets.
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Very relatable my friend … 💕
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I’m sure it is, my dear Ivor. 🥰
Thank you for the video of one of my very favorite songs. 🎶
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You’re most welcome, Nancy
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Sensitively written Nancy and I love Dusty and this song – great choice ❤️
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Dusty was so wonderful! Thank you very much, Ange. I always appreciate your comments. 🤎
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You are welcome Nancy 😊
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I liked the detail of her sitting in his chair
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Thank you, Neil. I wrote what I would do.
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A very touching story
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Thank you, cara. The holidays are very difficult for people who are missing a loved one.
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Very true dear sister
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Quite touching Nancy 🤗
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Thank you, Brian. I can only imagine the depth of her grief.
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